Gerrard is National class
Gerrard with his National trophy
They say form is temporary and class is permanent. After winning the junior (U20) National XC title in style in 2005, Manxman Keith Gerrard’s senior career looked very promising…
Having moved to the US collegiate system in the last few years some good performances ensued, including a 24th place in the National the last time it visited Parliament Hill in 2009. But it is fair to say that in that time Gerrard’s stats have been solid, if not earth shattering.
However, the 25 year-old returned to the top of his game on Saturday, winning his first senior national title at the English National Cross Country Championships, defeating pre-race favourite Steve Vernon by a sizeable 11 seconds.
The Newham and Essex Beagle hinted at what was to come this season with firstly a swift half marathon at last year’s GNR (63:39), followed by a strong 12th place at January’s Great Edinburgh XC, beating some good quality GB and European competition.
He then returned to training in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and only arrived back in the UK on Thursday, setting himself up for a tilt at the National. So, when news came through on Saturday perhaps this one was coming, and the manner of his victory suggests that 2012 could be a big year for this GB athlete.
Watch Keith win via this athleticos video of the 2012 National XC with a full report on all of the racing via Athletics Weekly here.
